Tamaraw Booters second-half surge carries them past Red Warriors

MANILA, Philippines—Far Eastern University unleashed its fierce form in the second half to eliminate University of the East out, 4-1, and hand the last final four berth to La Salle Thursday in the UAAP season 76 men’s football tournament at the FEU-Diliman pitch.

The Tamaraws, after seemingly losing their focus as the Red Warriors grabbed the upper hand on Rey Joyel’s own goal in the first half, got their rhythm going as Eric Giganto scored the equalizer in the 52nd minute.

And it was all Tamaraws from then on as Val Jurao struck in the 62nd minute, and Jess Melliza hiked his goal total to eight with goals in the 83rd and stoppage time.

FEU, which is seeking to regain the title it last won in 2010, finished as the no. 1 team at the end of the elimination round with 33 points.

Failing to sustain its strong first round showing, UE (12 points) could only muster two points in the second round due as the inconsistencies piled up.

The Tamaraws could face the Green Booters in next week’s Final Four. La Salle, which is at in fourth place with 14 points, needs to score two goals or more against also-ran National University on Sunday to avoid a semis meeting with FEU.

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